Team News vs Liverpool: Amorim provides crucial update on Martinez and Mazraoui
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a key team update ahead of the high-stakes Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Red Devils are set to travel to Anfield to face the current Premier League champions.
Amorim has confirmed that Noussair Mazraoui is doubtful for the clash in the pre-match press conference.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “Licha is near, but almost returning to the trainings with the team.
“Mazraoui, I don’t know. The rest of the guys, the national team [players], they are ready. But, if you saw the games, some players play in Japan, so we need to be careful, to give more time.
“Diogo [Dalot] didn’t play the last game [with Portugal], he was here [yesterday]. Bruno played 62 minutes, we gave [him] one more day [to recover].
“We try to balance everything to have everyone ready. But they are ready, the guys are returning from national teams. They are ready to play.”
It seems Sunday’s clash will come too soon for Mazraoui and Martinez, but the duo could be available on the bench for the next game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Martinez is edging closer to a long-awaited comeback after being sidelined since February with a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Mazraoui has endured a stop-start campaign plagued by repeated fitness setbacks.
Both players would have undoubtedly featured in Amorim’s starting XI had they been available.
Martinez remains a clear upgrade over Luke Shaw, who is expected to continue at left centre-back in his absence.
Diogo Dalot could be deployed as the right wing-back, stepping in for Mazraoui.
There is also the option of Amad Diallo, but Amorim may lean towards a more conservative setup given the attacking firepower Liverpool possess.
Casemiro played both of Brazil’s international games and could start on the bench on Sunday.
Manuel Ugarte might step in as the holding midfielder alongside Bruno Fernandes if Amorim opts to rest Casemiro.
Liverpool have lost their last three games and will be desperate to respond against their fierce rivals.
While a win over Sunderland has eased pressure on Amorim, a defeat at Anfield could instantly shift the mood at Old Trafford.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .